I . GENERAL OPERATION â¢ Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when oper - â¢ Read , understand , and follow all ating mower . instructions on the machine and in the II . SLOPE OPERATION manual ( s ) before starting . Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in use of the machine before starting . â¢ Do not put hands or feet near or under severe injury . Al ! slopes require extra cau - rotating parts . Keep clear of the dis - tion . If you feel uneasy on a slope , do not mow it . charge opening at all times . DO : â¢ Only allow responsible individuals , who are familiar with the instructions , to â¢ Mow across the face of slopes : never operate the machine . up and down . Exercise extreme caution â¢ Clear the area of objects such as when changing direction on slopes . rocks , toys , wire , bones , sticks , etc . , â¢ Remove obstacles such as rocks , tree which could be picked up and thrown by limbs , etc . the blade . â¢ Watch for holes , ruts , or bumps . Tall â¢ Be sure the area is clear of other people grass can hide obstacles . before mowing . Stop machine if anyone DO NOT : enters the area . â¢ Do not trim near drop - offs , ditches or â¢ Do not operate the mower when bare - embankments . The operator could lose foot or wearing open sandals . Always footing or balance . wear substantial foot wear . â¢ Do not trim excessively steep slopes . â¢ Do not pull mower backwards unless â¢ Do not mow on wet grass . Reduced absolutely necessary . Always look down footing could cause slipping . and behind before and while moving II1 . CHILDREN backwards . Tragic accidents can occur if the operator â¢ Do not operate the mower without is not alert to the presence of children . proper guards , plates , grass catcher or Children are often attracted to the ma - other safety protective devices in place . chine and the mowing activity . Never as - â¢ See manufacturer's instructions for sume that children will remain where you proper operation and installation of last saw them . accessories . Only use accessories ap - â¢ Keep children out of the trimming areaer proved by the manufacturer . and under the watchful care of anoth â¢ Stop the blade ( s ) when crossing gravel responsible adult . drives , walks , or roads . â¢ Be alert and turn machine off if children â¢ Stop the engine ( motor ) whenever you enter the area . leave the equipment , before cleaning â¢ Before and while walking backwards , the mower or unclogging the chute . look behind and down for small children . â¢ Shut the engine ( motor ) off and wait â¢ Never allow children to operate the until the blade comes to complete stop machine . before removing grass catcher . â¢ Use extra care when approaching blind â¢ Mow only in daylight or good artificial corners , shrubs , trees , or other objects light . that may obscure vision . â¢ Do not operate the machine while under IV . SERVICE the influence of alcohol or drugs . â¢ Use extra care in handling gasoline and â¢ Never operate machine in wet grass . other fuels . They are flammable and Always be sure of your footing : keep a firm hold on the handle and walk ; never vapors are explosive . run . - Use only an approved container . â¢ Disengage the self - propelled mech - - Never remove gas cap or add fuel anism or drive clutch on mowers so with the engine running . Allow equipped before starting the engine engine to cool before refueling . Do not smoke . ( motor ) . - Never refuel the machine indoors . â¢ If the equipment should start to vibrate - Never store the machine or fuel abnormally , stop the engine ( motor ) and container inside where there is an check immediately for the cause . Vibra - tion is generally a warning of trouble . open flame , such as a water heater . 3 Page: 4

â¢ Never run a machine inside a closed â¢ Stop and inspect the equipment if you area . strike an object . Repair , if necessary , â¢ Never make adjustments or repairs with before restarting . the engine ( motor ) running . Disconnect â¢ Never attempt to make wheel height the spark plug wire , and keep the wire adjustments while the engine ( motor ) is away from the plug to prevent accidental running . starting . â¢ Grass catcher components are subject â¢ Keep nuts and bolts , especially blade to wear , damage , and deterioration , attachment bolts , tight and keep equip - which could expose moving parts or ment in good condition . allow objects to be thrown . Frequently â¢ Never tamper with safety devices . Check check components and replace with their proper operation regularly . manufacturer's recommended parts , â¢ Keep machine free of grass , leaves , or when necessary . other debris build - up . Clean oil or fuel â¢ Mower blades are sharp and can cut , spillage . Allow machine to cool before Wrap the blade ( s ) or wear gloves , and storing . use extra caution when servicing them . â¢ Do not change the engine governor set - ting or overspeed the engine . These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced . They are not shipped with your mower . They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and ser - vice centers . Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you , when you provide the model number of your lawn mower . Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower . LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE CLIPPING DEFLECTORS FOR STABILIZER CANS REAR DISCHARGE GAS LAWN MOWERS GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS FOR FOR REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE ( , q ; MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL 4 Page: 5

Readthese instructionsand this manualin Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort . Refer to " AD - its entirety before you attemptto assemble JUST HANDLE " in the Service and Adjust - or operate your new lawn mower . ments section of this manual . IMPORTANT : This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUTOIL OR GASOLINEin the Operator presence engine . control bar Yournew lawn mower hasbeen assem - bled at the factory with the exceptionof Upl LIFT UP those parts left unassembledfor eshippingrs , , / purposes . All parts such as nuts , washe LIFT bolts , etc . , necessaryto completeth as - uI sembly have beenplaced in the parts bag . To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower , all parts and hardware Mowing you assemblemust be tightenedsecurely . position Use the correct tools as necessaryto ensure proper tightness . TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM Lower handle CARTON 1 . Remove loose parts included with TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER mower . 1 . Put grass catcher frame into grass bag 2 . Cut down two end corners of carton with rigid part of bag on the bottom . and lay end panel down flat . Make sure the frame handle is outside 3 . Remove all packing materials except of the bag top . padding between upper and lower 2 . Slip vinyl bindings over frame . handle and padding holding operator NOTE : If vinyl bindings are too stiff , holdIf presence control bar to upper handle . them in warm water for a few minutes . 4 . Roll lawn mower out of carton and bag gets wet , let it dry before using . check carton thorougly for additional loose parts . HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT : Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables . 1 . Raise handles until lower handle sec - tion locks into place in mowing position . 2 . Remove protective padding , raise up - per handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs . 3 . Remove handle padding holding TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS operator presence control bar to upper handle . Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a muIcher . To convert to bag - ging or discharging , see " TO CONVERT MOWER " in the Operation section of this manual ) . 5 Page: 6

1 . Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug The operation of any lawnr - wire from spark plug . mower can result in fo 2 . Pull drive control lever ALL THE WAY eign objects thrown into BACK to the handle . the eyes , which can result 3 . Push button on underside of drive in severe eye damage . control . While holding button in , return Always wear safety glasses or eye shields drive control lever to disengaged posi - while operating your lawn mower or perform - tion ALL THE WAY FORWARD . ing any adjustments or repairs . We recom - NOTE : Do not ratchet the adjustment . mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision 4 . Release button . safety mask worn over spectacles . 5 . Operate mower to test drive speed . HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER If condition becomes worse after ENGINE SPEED the above steps ( forward speed has become slower ) , your system was not The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance . Speed is not " loose " . Repeating the above steps will return your unit to the proper adjust - adjustable . ENGINE ZONE CONTROL ment and speed . 6 . If condition fails to improve after the ACAUTION : Federal regulations require above steps ( forward speed remains an engine control to be installed on this the same ) , your drive belt is worn and lawn mower in order to minimize the should be replaced . risk of blade contact injury . Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the . _ rator presence control bar function of the operator control . The blade turns when the engine is running . â¢ Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned Drive behind the lawn mower handle to start control and operate the lawn mower . TO lever DRIVE Adjustment ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL CONTROL button ( on DRIVE â¢ Self - propelling is controlled by hold - DISENGAGED underside ) CONTROL ing the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT control lever rearward to the handle . Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels The farther toward the handle the lever for high cut , adjust cutting height to suit is pulled , the faster the unit will travel . your requirements . Medium position is â¢ Forward motion will stop when either best for most lawns . the operator presence control bar or â¢ To change cutting height , squeeze ad - drive control lever are released . To stop juster lever toward wheel . Move wheel forward motion without stopping engine , up or down to suit your requirements . Be release the drive control lever only . Hold sure all wheels are in the same setting . operator presence control bar down NOTE : Adjuster is properly positioned against handle to continue mowing when plate tab inserts into hole in lever . without self - propelling . Also , 9 - position adjusters ( if so equipped ) NOTE : If after releasing the drive control allow lever to be positioned between the the mower will not roll backwards , push plate tabs . the mower forward slightly to disengage drive wheels . LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT â¢ To keep drive control engaged when turning corners , push down on thethe _ Plate handle to lift the front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower . DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT Over time , the drive control system may become " loose " , resulting in decreased RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever speed . There is a button on the underside of the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable . Proceed as follows : 7 Page: 8

A CAUTION : DO NOT overfillengine with oil , or it will smoke on startup . _ ler cap 1 . Be sure lawnmoweris level and area aroundoil fill is clean . 2 . Removeoil dipstickfrom oil fill spout . Makesure that rim of spout is clean . 3 . Youreceivea containerof oil with the unit . Slowly pour the entire econtainer . down the oil fill spoutinto the engin 4 . Wait one minute to allowoil to settle . Use guageon oil fill cap / dipstickfortheube . Oil checking level . Insertdipstick hintoe tube and rest the oil fill cap on t tbe cap DO NOT thread the cap into the tu when taking reading . 5 . Always be sureto retightenoil dipstick before starting engine . â¢ Check oil levelbeforeeach use . Add oil TO START ENGINE if needed . Fill to full line on dipstick . NOTE : Due to protective coatings on the â¢ Change the oil after every 25 hours of engine , a small amount of smoke may be operation or each season . Youmay present during the initial use of the prod - need to changethe oil more often under uct and should be considered normal . dusty , dirty conditions . 1 . Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position . ADD GASOLINE 2 . Move choke lever to ON ( N ) position . â¢ Fill fuel tank to bottomof tank filler neck . 3 . Hold operator presence control bar Do not overfill . Usefresh , clean , regular down to the handle and pull starter unleadedgasolinewith a minimum of handle quickly . Do not allow starter 87 octane . Do not mix oil with gasoline . rope to snap back . Purchasefuel in quantitiesthat can beesh - NOTE : The choke lever automatically used within 30 daysto assure fuel fr begins moving to the OFF position when Bess . operator presence control bar is held down to handle . A CAUTION ; Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel . Do not store , spillor use gasoline TO STOP ENGINE near an open flame . â¢ To stop engine , release operator pres - , _ CAUTION : Alcohol blended fuels ence control bar . Wait until blade and ( called gasohol or using ethanol or metha - all moving parts have stopped and turn nol ) can attract moisture which leads to fuel valve to OFF position if you do not separation and formation of acids during intend to restart the engine soon . storage . Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage . To OFF avoid engine problems , the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer . Drain the gas tank , start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty . Use fresh fuel next season . See Storage Instructions for additional information . Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur . Oil filler cap / dipstick Fuel valve lever Upper limit Lower limit 9 Page: 10

MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS â¢ Under certain conditions , such as very IMPORTANT : For best performance , keep tall grass , it may be necessary to raise mower housing free of built - up grass and the height of cut to reduce pushing trash . See " CLEANING " in the Mainte - effort and to keep from overloading the nance section of this manual . engine and leaving clumps of grass clip - â¢ The special mulching blade will recut pings . It may also be necessary to re - the grass clippings many times and duce ground speed and / or run the lawn reduce them in size so that as they fall mower over the area a second time . onto the lawn they will disperse into â¢ For extremely heavy cutting , reduce the the grass and not be noticed . Also , the width of cut by overlapping previously mulched grass will biodegrade quickly cut path and mow slowly . to provide nutrients for the lawn . Always â¢ For better grass bagging and most cut - mulch with your highest engine ( blade ) ting conditions , the engine speed should speed as this will provide the best recut - be set in the fast position . ting action of the blades . â¢ Pores in cloth grass catchers can be - â¢ Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet . come filled with dirt and dust with use Wet grass tends to form clumps and and catchers will collect less grass . To interferes with the mulching action . The prevent this , regularly hose catcher off best time to mow your lawn is the early with water and let dry before using . afternoon . At this time the grass has â¢ Keep top of engine around starter clear dried and the newly cut area will not be and clean of grass clippings and chaff . exposed to the direct sun . This will help engine air flow and extend â¢ For best results , adjust the lawn mower engine life . cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one - third of the grass blades . If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass . For extremely heavy grass , reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly . MAX 1 / 3 â¢ Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings . When doing a second cut , mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path . â¢ Change your cutting pattern from weekk to week . Mow north to south one wee then change to east to west the next week . This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn . 10 Page: 11

GRASS CATCHER NOTE : Multi - viscosity oils ( 5W30 , 10W30 etc . ) improve starting in cold weather , and â¢ The grass catcher may be hosed with you should check your engine oil level fre - water , but must be dry when used . quently to avoid possible engine damage â¢ Check your grass catcher often for dam - from running low on oil . age or deterioration . Through normal Change the oil after every 25 hours of opera - use it will wear . If catcher needs replac - tion or at least once a year if the lawn mower ing , replace only with a manufacturer is not used for 25 hours in one year . approved replacement catcher . Give ther - Check the crankcase oil level before lawn mower model number when orde starting the engine and after each five ( 5 ) ing . hours of continuous use . Tighten oil plug DRIVE WHEELS securely each time you check the oil level . Check front drive wheels each time before TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL you mow to be sure they move freely . The wheels not turning freely means NOTE : Before tipping lawn mower to drain trash , grass cuttings , etc . are in the drivee oil , drain fuel tank by running engine until wheel area and must be cleaned to fre fuel tank is empty . drive wheels . 1 . Disconnect spark plug wire from spark If necessary to clean the drive wheels , be plug and place wire where it cannot sure to clean both front wheels . come in contact with spark plug . 1 . Remove hubcaps , Iocknuts and wash - 2 . Remove engine oil cap ; lay aside on a ers . clean surface . 2 . Remove wheels from wheel adjusters . 3 . Tip lawn mower on its side as showner . 3 . Remove any trash or grass cuttings and drain oil into a suitable contain from inside the dust cover , pinion and / Rock lawn mower back and forth to re - or drive wheel gear teeth . move any oil trapped inside of engine . 4 . Put wheels back in place . 4 . Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn NOTE : If after cleaning , the drive wheels mower or side of engine . do not turn freely , contact a Sears or other 5 . Fill engine with oil . The engine oil qualified service center . capacity is 18.5 oz . If oil is not com - GEAR CASE pletely drained from engine , you may0 not need the entire container of a 2 â¢ To keep your drive system working oz . bottle of oil . Slowly pour 3 / 4 of the properly , the gear case and area around oil from the container down the oil fill the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build - up . Clean under the drive spout into the engine . 6 . Wait one minute to allow oil to settle . cover twice a season . Use guage on oil fill cap / dipstick for â¢ The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory . The only checking level . Insert dipstick into the time the lubricant needs attention is if tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube . DO NOT thread the cap into the tube service has been performed on the gear case . when taking reading . 7 . Continue adding small amounts of â¢ If lubricant is required , use only Texaco oil and rechecking the dipstick until it Starplex Premium 1 Grease , Part No . 750369 . Do not substitute . reads full . DO NOT overfill , or engine will smoke on startup . ENGINE 8 . Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick LUBRICATION before starting engine . Use only high quality detergent oil rated 9 . Reconnect spark plug wire to spark with API service classification SF - SJ . Se - plug . lect the oil's SAE viscosity grade accord - ing to your expected operating tempera - Oil filler ture . SAE VISCOSITY GRADES I - 20 0 30 32 40 60 80 tOO . = - 2o - lo o lo = o _ o TEMPERATURE RANGEANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHARGE 13 limit Page: 14

AIR FILTER SPARK PLUG Your engine will not run properly and may Replace spark plug at the beginning of be damaged by using a dirty air filter . each mowing season or after every 100 Replace the air filter every 100 hours of hours of operation , whichever occurs operation or every season , whichever oc - first . Spark plug type and gap setting are curs first . Service air cleaner more often shown in " PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS " under dusty conditions . in Maintenance section of this manual . TO CLEAN AIR FILTER 1 . Remove cover . CLEANING 2 . Carefully remove cartridge . IMPORTANT : For best performance , keep 3 . Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur - mower housing free of built - up grass and face . If very dirty , replace cartridge . trash . Clean the underside of your mower _ CAUTION : Petroleum solvents , such as after each use . kerosene , are not to be used to clean car - â¢ LCAUTION : Disconnect spark plug wire tridge . They may cause deterioration of the from spark plug and place wire where it cartridge . Do not oil cartridge . Do not use cannot come in contact with the spark pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge . plug . 4 . Install cartridge , then replace cover . â¢ Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build - up of grass and trash . â¢ Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating . A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life . â¢ Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline , oil , etc . â¢ We do not recommend using a gardene hose to clean lawn mower unless th electrical system , muffler , air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out . Water in engine can result in short - ened engine life . CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Tabs Clean under drive cover at least twice a season . Scrape underside of cover with MUFFLER putty knife or similar tool to remove any Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it build - up of trash or grass on underside of could create a fire hazard and / or damage . drive cover . , AWARNING : To avoid serious injury , rear wheels of your mower , is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will before performing any service or adjust - ments : be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator's mowing position . If the 1 . Release control bar and stop engine . deflector becomes damaged , it should be 2 . Make sure the blade and all moving replaced . parts have completely stopped . TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT 3 . Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in 1 . Remove drive cover . Remove belt from contact with plug . gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it . LAWN MOWER 2 . Turn lawn mower on its side with air TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT filter and carburetor up . See " TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT " in 3 . Remove blade . the Operation section of this manual . 4 . Remove debris shield . REAR DEFLECTOR 5 , Remove belt from engine pulley on The rear deflector , attached between the crankshaft . 14 Page: 15

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT Mowing Mowing position _ " i , _ pos't'on / ' _ - , 1 . Install new belt on engine pulley . 2 . Reinstall debris shield and blade . 3 . Return mower to upright position . t I I t 4 . Install new belt on gearcase pulley . I tI I 5 . Reinstall drive cover . NOTE : Always use factory approved belt Hfflrpin \ \ _ , , \ ' _ \ X , \ _ ' _ to assure fit and long life . Handle . _ ; _ ( _ ) " J _ l c Â° tt ; r ' - - ' _ i _ \ ; _ " ; ' Mounting _ " _ bracket pin _ LOW POSITION HiGH POSITION ENGINE Maintenance , repair , or replacement of the emission control devices and systems , Drive which are being done at the customers ex - cover Belt pense , may be performed by any non - road engine repair establishment or individual . PUSH DOWN Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet . TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle can be mounted in a high or ENGINE SPEED low position . The mounting holes in thefor bottom of lower handle are off center Your engine speed has been factory set . Do not attempt to increase engine speed raising or lowering the handle . or it may result in personal injury . If you NOTE : The upper handle has an " anti - fold " bracket located on the left side of the believe that the engine is running too fast or too slow , take your lawn mower to a handle . This bracket prevents the upper Sears or other qualified service center for handle from folding forward , which helps repair and adjustment . protect control cable ( s ) from damage . 1 . Remove upper handle and all parts CARBURETOR attached to lower handle . 2 . Remove hairpin cotters from lower Your carburetor is not adjustable . If your handle bracket mounting pin . engine does not operate properly due to 3 . Squeeze lower handle in to remove it suspected carburetor problems , take your from mounting pins . lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified 4 . Turn lower handle over to raise or service center for repair and / or adjust - lower handle . ment . 5 . Squeeze lower handle in and position IMPORTANT : Never tamper with the holes onto mounting pins on handle engine governor , which is factory set bracket . for proper engine speed . Overspeeding 6 . Reassemble upper handle and all the engine above the factory high speed parts removed from lower handle . setting can be dangerous . If you think the engine - governed high speed needs adjusting , contact a Sears or other qualified service center , which has proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments . Â¥ , _ _ , Anti - fold bracket Lower , ROTATE 15 Page: 16

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for Operator presence Mowing position storage at the end of the season or if the control bar \ unit will not be used for 30 days or more . Upper handl LAWN MOWER When lawn mower is to be stored for a pe - Lower riod of time , clean it thoroughly , remove all dirt , grease , leaves , etc . Store in a clean , dry area . 1 . Clean entire lawn mower ( Seence FOLD " CLEANING " in the Maintena sec - BACKWARD tion of this manual ) . 2 . Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual . 3 . Be sure that all nuts , bolts , screws , fold and pins are securely fastened . Inspect bracket moving parts for damage , breakage ENGINE and wear . Replace if necessary . FUEL SYSTEM 4 . Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces ; sand lightly before painting . IMPORTANT : It is important to prevent HANDLE gum deposits from forming in essential You can fold your lawn mower handle for fuel system parts such as carburetor , fuel storage . filter , fuel hose , or tank during storage . NOTE : The upper handle has an " anti - Also , alcohol blended fuels ( called gasohol fold " bracket located on the left side of the or using ethanol or methanol ) can attract handle . This bracket prevents the upper moisture which leads to separation and handle from folding forward , which helps formation of acids during storage . Acidic protect control cable ( s ) from damage . gas can damage the fuel system of an 1 . Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower engine while in storage . 1 . Drain the fuel tank . handle toward each other until the lower handle clears the handle bracket , 2 . Start the engine and let it run until the then move handle forward . fuel lines and carburetor are empty . 2 . Loosen upper handle mounting bolts â¢ Never use engine or carburetor cleaner enough to allow upper handle to be products in the fuel tank or permanent folded back . damage may occur . â¢ Use fresh fuel next season . IMPORTANT : When folding the handle for storage or transportation , be sure to fold NOTE : Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable the handle as shown or you may damage alternative in minimizing the formation the control cables . of fuel gum deposits during storage . Add â¢ When setting up your handle from the stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or stor - storage position , the lower handle will age container . Always follow the mix ratio automatically lock into the mowing posi - found on stabilizer container . Run engine tion . at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carbure - tor . Do not drain the gas tank and carbure - SQUEEZE tor if using fuel stabilizer . TO FOLD ENGINE OIL Drain oil ( with engine warm ) and replace er with clean engine oil . ( See " ENGINE " in the Maintenance section of this manual ) . CYLINDER 1 . Remove spark plug . 2 . Pour one ounce ( 29 ml ) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder . 3 . Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil . 4 . Replace with new spark plug . 16 Page: 17